Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/799467
IN A REGION THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON IT'S GREAT SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY "THE BAYOU STATE" HAS GOT YOUR NEXT GROUP MEETING COVERED BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II When you make a list of all the unique things Louisiana has to offer visitors, you quickly see the long-lasting influences of the French, Spanish and African ancestry. The state's past is well preserved in the architecture, music, food and lifestyles – which include amazing festivals – and of course in museums of history and fine arts. It is not an accident that Louisiana clings to the phrase: "Laissez les bon temps rouler." Let yourself get lost in the traditions passed down through genera- tions. Come visit during Mardi Gras when costumed riders parade and magnificent balls are thrown from New Orleans and Baton Rouge to Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport and beyond. ••BATON ROUGE•• Baton Rouge is Louisiana's "Capital City" and the hub of all things Louisiana. With a prime, central location — just an hour away from New Orleans and Lafayette — Baton Rouge is the perfect city to explore the eclectic culture of this amazing state. Louisiana's Capital City highlights the unique music, culture and outdoors that both visitors to Louisiana and locals alike enjoy. With French, Spanish, Creole and Native American roots, the city is rich in its culture and politics. Nicknamed the "Red Stick," Baton Rouge houses over 300 years of history, much of which can be tasted in our food, seen in the archi- tecture and learned through Louisiana State's history. Here, your attendees will find an abun- dance of vibrant music, cuisine, collegiate spirit, history and culture. Explore many historical attractions, or stop by a local festival — there's plenty of each. Between sessions, take advantage of Baton Rouge's walkable downtown, with hotel accommodations, dining and attrac- tions within minutes of each other. From traditional meeting and exhibition space, such as the Baton Rouge River Center, to unique outdoor venues and historic attractions, Baton Rouge is home to a number of venues to accommodate your every need. With plenty of opportu- nities to explore the history, culture, music, and food, Baton Rouge offers meeting planners the perfect mix of work and play. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Baton Rouge River Center expansion has completely trans- formed downtown Baton Rouge. The entire complex, including the existing Arena and Theatre for the Performing Arts, as well as the new Exhibition Hall, includes more than 200,000 sq. ft. of new and renovated space, and incorporates state-of-the-art exhibition, meeting, con- cession and kitchen facilities. The new 70,000-sq. ft. Exhibition Hall can be com- bined with the existing Arena to create more than 100,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space. For nearly 15 years now the Baton Rouge Blues Festival has been held in Baton Rouge. It's a one-day celebration of the Blues that culminates Baton Rouge Blues week. It features around 10 hours of live entertainment from around a dozen Blues artists. You'll see acts such as Larry Garner, Henry Butler, Luther Kent and more. While in Baton Rouge Conference attendees can explore the African American Museum, dedicated to collect- ing, preserving, and interpreting art, arti- facts and buildings related to the history and culture of African-Americans in the rural communities along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Enjoy the ease of accessibility of Baton Rouge. Located just 80 miles from New Orleans and 55 miles from Cajun Country travel by air or roadways. Fly into the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport or find the city off of Interstates 10 and 12. ••NEW ORLEANS•• Whether it's just a couple dozen peo- ple or a convention with tens of thou- B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 50 AREA GUIDES L O U I S I A N A Rockin Doopsie (Baton Rouge) • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS The Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge 294 Baton Rouge Marriott 299 Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel 256 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Baton Rouge River Center Total Exhibit Space 100,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 21 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Baton Rouge (800) LA ROUGE (225-383-1825) www.visitbatonrouge.com Baton Rouge Black Chamber of Commerce 225.372.2620 Photo Credit: Baton Rouge CVB